Italian firms paying their bills more quickly, says study

Research shows peak of economic crisis may be over

(ANSA) - Milan, January 22 - Italian firms were able to pay
their bills more quickly in the third quarter of 2013, providing
a hint of good economic news, according to research by the
Cerved market-research agency.

Between July and September, bills were paid within 77 days
on average, about 3.5 days quicker than in the same period in
2012, said Cerved.

As well, business defaults fell by 6% to about 62,000 in
the quarter compared to the same period in 2012, it reported.

"The overall situation of the economy is still difficult,
but this simultaneous decline of negative phenomena, although
not widespread on all areas of the country could indicate the
passing of the peak of the crisis," said Gianandrea De
Bernardis, chief executive officer of Cerved.

Other analysts say it is still too early to declare the
crisis is over.